Your Guide to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

The fluctuations of mood and personality that many women experience prior to menstruation are often the subject of humor and parody. But for millions of women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is no laughing matter. PMS can cause serious emotional and physical pain and make life nearly unbearable for several days every month.

Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. The most common signs and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome include:

An estimated three of every four menstruating women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome. These problems are more likely to trouble women between their late 20s and early 40s, and they tend to recur in a predictable pattern. Yet the physical and emotional changes experienced with premenstrual syndrome may be particularly intense in some months and only slightly noticeable in others.

Cause

Exactly what causes premenstrual syndrome is unknown, but several factors may contribute to the condition. Cyclic changes in hormones seem to be an important cause, because signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome change with hormonal fluctuations and also disappear with pregnancy and menopause. In addition, fluctuations of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is thought to play a crucial role in mood states, could trigger the symptoms.

Diet Tips

Calcium-rich foods may help reduce a woman's likelihood of developing PMS

Insufficient amounts of serotonin may contribute to premenstrual depression, as well as to fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems. Some women with severe premenstrual syndrome have undiagnosed depression, though depression alone does not cause all of the symptoms. Stress also may aggravate some of the symptoms, but alone it is not a cause.

Natural Solutions

PMS symptoms can be treated effectively with herbs. Rehemannia smoothes the symptoms of hot flashes in peri-menopause. Dong quai is high in natural plant estrogens called phytosterols and helps to reduce the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Dong quai is beneficial for promoting blood flow to the reproductive organs, relieving menstrual cramps and regulating uterine contractions. Epimedium (Horny goat weed) helps regulate mood swings, depression, and libido. Cornus officinalis treats excessive sweating and heavy menstrual bleeding. Poria cocoa has a soothing and tranquilizing effect on the nervous system and can be helpful in treating tension, anxiety and insomnia.

What to do

Menstrual Cramps are most commonly the result of high levels of prostaglandins, a type of inflammatory chemical produced in the uterus. Of the many different types of prostaglanids, PGE1 and PGE3 decrease the inflammatory responses to menstrual...Read more

Anemia, a condition in which an individual can feel fatigued even after a good night’s rest, tends to occur because of a lack of iron thanks to a poor diet. Most women with a heavy menstrual flow, however, can contract the condition even with a...Read more

Often, the distress and pain associated with PMS is normal and endurable. But for some women, the pain can be a source of agony and stress. Most of the discomfort can be reduced or relieved thanks to a realignment of the body’s hormonal production...Read more

PMS Formula For Healthy Female Reproductive System revitalizes the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes by regulating bleeding, promoting the relaxation of the uterine musculature, and producing a more positive, emotional outlook. Read more

Many herbal plants contain natual, estrogen-like compounds called phyto-estrogens that are thousands of times less potent than human estrogen and easily degraded in the body. These phyto-estrogen compounds actually circulate in the blood at levels...Read more

The Eight Treasure Worthy & Restorative Herbs Combination Formula, also known as ‘Ba Zhen Formula’, is designed for women suffering from PMS symptoms coupled with exhaustion and depression. Typical symptoms include paleness, dizziness, chronic...Read more

Interesting Facts

Ignite the Passion - Stay ConnectedStaying connected in subtle ways like holding hands would make sex life better. Because it’s less pressure to perform well.

Try to Conceive? Avoid Coffee.The volatile oils in coffee beans agitate the adrenal glands. Even decaf coffee can affect the adrenal gland and influence tissues that interact with the reproductive hormones lower the chance of conceiving.

Causes

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